behavior modification

Behavior modification is a type of therapy based on the principles of operant conditioning. It is a model that empowers parents to shape their child’s behavior with use of positive and negative reinforcement tools. Children learn to shape their own behavioral choices based on the concept that good behaviors lead to positive consequences, and negative behavior leads to negative consequences. This model empowers the child to take control of their own choices in an effort to avoid negative outcomes.

This model is a first line treatment for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Many parents prefer implementing a structured behavioral shaping plan with their child before introducing medication as a form of treatment, as many children respond well to behavioral shaping and may not require additional use of medication.

The therapist will work collaboratively with the parent and child to develop an individualized behavioral shaping plan, targeting the child’s specific problem behaviors and reinforcing positive habits developmentally appropriate to each individual.

Behavior modification uses four core components to shape and reinforce behaviors: positive punishment, negative punishment, positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement.

Punishment is used to stop negative behaviors. Within this model, positive means to add something. Adding a consequence to decrease problem behaviors is what is referred to as a positive punishment.

Positive punishment may include:

  • Assigning an extra chore when the child tells a lie

  • Writing an apology letter after hurting someone’s feelings

  • Doing their sibling’s chore after hurting their sibling

Spanking is a form of positive punishment, but most experts discourage any use of corporal punishment when utilizing behavior modification as research suggests spanking may actually increase negative behaviors and negative long-term outcomes.

Negative punishment means to remove or take away, such as taking away a privilege or withholding positive attention.

Negative punishment may include:

  • Utilizing time-out during which the child is not given positive attention

  • Actively ignoring a child’s temper tantrum

  • Removing electronic privileges for a temporary period of time

Positive reinforcement is when a child is given something they like in order to reinforce good behavior. Positive reinforcement is typically a very effective disciplinary tool. Praise, a tiered reward system, or a token economy are all examples of positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement may include:

  • Telling a child, “Excellent job putting your clothes away properly!”

  • Playing a card game together as a reward for completing homework

  • Extending a teenager’s curfew time after they achieve honor roll

Negative reinforcement is when something unpleasant is removed due to the child’s positive behavioral choice.

A child may stop their negative behavior because their parent raised their voice, as they are trying to stop the unpleasant experience of being yelled at (negative reinforcer). Negative reinforcement should always be used sparingly as it is much less effective over time than relying primarily on positive reinforcement.

Negative reinforcement may include:

  • Parents nagging at their teen to complete homework. The teen completes the homework to stop the nagging.

  • Mom starts going to the bus stop with her child every day because the child has been arguing with their peers while waiting for the bus. The child feels embarrassed, so they change their behavior.

  • Father turns on talk radio loudly to drown out their teen who complains daily on the ride to school. The teen stops complaining because they hate talk radio.

Consistency is the most important aspect of behavioral modification and the the key to long-term success. When a child receives praise or reward for carrying out positive choices, those choices then become habit. Gradually over time, the praise and reward can be phased out and the positive choices remain.

Negative consequences must also be consistent to remain effective. When negative consequences are inconsistent, children begin to learn they can sometimes get away with negative choices and are therefore more likely to risk enacting negative behaviors.

This model is most effective when adults work together as a team, maintaining alignment with rules and consistently delivering rewards and consequences. If teachers, daycare providers, and other caregivers are also willing to utilize the same consequences and rewards, a child's behavior is likely to change even faster.